Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has publicly condemned Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent cabinet appointments, labeling the move a “sham reshuffle.” She expressed her disappointment that instead of addressing the inefficiencies within his current team, Rabuka has opted to expand the cabinet by adding seven new ministers and assistant ministers, thus maintaining a status quo that she argues is detrimental to the people of Fiji.

Kumar remarked, “This isn’t a reshuffle. It’s a bailout for underperforming ministers who continue to enjoy perks at the expense of hardworking Fijians.” She emphasized that rather than holding ineffective leaders accountable or even moving them to lower ranks, the Prime Minister has chosen to preserve their positions, which undermines public confidence in the government.

Further criticisms from Kumar highlight that the cabinet is now the largest in Fiji’s history, consisting of 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. This expansion contradicts Rabuka’s past commitments to reduce government size and spending, a point echoed by other political voices, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. Chaudhry described the move as irresponsible, stressing that it adds financial strain amidst rising living costs and declining public services that the citizens of Fiji are enduring.

Despite the prevailing criticisms, there is an underlying hope that these ongoing discussions may lead the government to reassess its approach to governance. Advocates for reform believe that intensifying calls for accountability could inspire the administration to enhance leadership effectiveness and focus more acutely on the real issues facing the populace.

The current state of political discourse and the pressures being placed on the government highlight an essential opportunity for change. It is hoped that through these dialogues, the Fijian leadership can realign its priorities to better serve the needs of its citizens without perpetuating inefficiencies that have characterized recent administrations.

In summary, while the reshuffle has sparked significant debate about governance and accountability in Fiji, it presents an opportunity for the government to foster a more engaged and responsive administration. With a commitment to reform, there is potential for a revitalized focus on the public interest and improved service delivery for all Fijians.